area code

A new area code is coming for those who live in the 18 counties that are part of the 315 area code. The New York State Public Service Commission Thursday approved an 'area code overlay' for the region.

The amount of available phone numbers within the 315 area code continues to dwindle, prompting the state's Public Service Commission to look into adding another area code.

The PSC has offered two options for the region, which covers all or part of 18 central and northern New York counties. One plan is to split the zone, with some residents getting a new area code. Another option is to overlay a new area code on top of 315, then issue the new code to new customers. In this scenario everyone would be required to dial the area code, even for next door neighbors.